CELTIC are not only looking to add fresh quality to their squad.

They are also determined to hold on to the class acts they already have, as the new contract for Artur Boruc - worth over £5million for three-and-a-half years - confirms.

Scott Brown was brought to the club on a long-term contract, while captain Stephen McManus and man-of-the-moment Aiden McGeady have been handed long-term deals which will provide manager Gordon Strachan with a firm foundation on which to build for the future.

Of course, money talks in this game, and if an unbelievable offer came in for any Celt, it would have to be considered. This is a business, after all.

But the club have been shrewd enough to protect their investments and have done all they can to ensure their prime assets are not allowed to slip away for cut-price deals - or even for free - in the way many have in years gone by.

Shaun Maloney's departure a year ago for a fraction of his real worth, as his contract had entered its final six months, was a reminder to all how important it is to avoid fire sales.

McGeady is widely tipped to be the next player to attract unwanted interest. But though he could fetch a record fee for a Celtic sale, neither the 21-year-old nor his employers are even contemplating him leaving.

McGeady is under contract until 2011, and is more than happy with his lot.

He recently said: "I think for the time being I am settled here. I signed a new contract with the club last year, so I think my foreseeable future is with Celtic.

"But eventually I would like to test myself in another league."

In other circumstances, that final statement might cause concern around Parkhead.

But McGeady is talking long term, very long term, as he is currently getting all he wants in terms of success, high profile games and development at Celtic.

McGeady's value will continue to rise, and the club's investment in his new contract will continue to look like one of the best bits of business done in years.